Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Position fixing methods:
· visual
· electronic.

Safe operation:
Within the range and level of exposure to prevailing and anticipated weather conditions appropriate to the vessel:
· size
· power
· condition.

Environmental factors:
· weather
· tide
· current
· water depth
· water temperature, salinity, colour, clarity
· time of day, month and year
· lunar phase
· light levels
· bottom type.

Sources of information:
· own vessel's performance records
· other vessel's performance records
· research data:
· research papers
· industry information.

Relevant regulations:
· State and Federal legislation and regulations.

Electronic aids:
· echo sounder
· sonar
· temperature sensors and information
· position determining devices.

Available indications:
· electronic
· visual.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The underpinning knowledge identified for this unit goes to more depth due to its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· operation of position fixing equipment and methods
· calculation of the times required for movement
· factors affecting the fishing operation
· effects of environmental factors
· sources of information and the means of accessing them
· operation and adjustment of fish finding equipment
· interpretation of information from electronic systems
· visual indications of fish concentrations
· relevance of environmental factors
· fishing gear types and their effect on the environment.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· fixing position on navigational charts or electronic plotters
· using ranges and bearings from RADAR
· using information from radio direction finder
· using hydro-acoustic equipment
· using other electronic devices to gather information
· forecasting weather.

Literacy skills used for:
· keeping and reviewing records.

Numeracy skills used for:
· accessing and interpreting information such as graphs and tables showing abundance
· calculating time, speed and distance.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· locate fishing grounds and concentrations of target species of fish and to position the fishing operation or vessel.
· obtain, correct and plot position lines and positions on navigational and fishing charts
· use accepted methodologies to detect fish concentrations
· match the configuration of fishing gear to the target environment and species.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· requirements, regulations, recommendations and fisheries information for best potential fishing outcome
· all relevant environmental considerations.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed with:
· SFIFISH301B - Adjust and position trawl nets
· SFIFISH302B - Adjust and position pots and traps
· SFIFISH303B - Adjust and position drop lines and long lines
· SFIFISH304B - Adjust and position hand operated lines
· SFIFISH305B - Adjust and position beach seines, mesh nets or gill nets
· SFIFISH306B - Adjust and position purse seines.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· performance of a task either on-board a vessel or by simulation
· solving problems either on-board a vessel or by simulation
· written or oral short answer testing.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· real or realistically simulated fishing operation
· navigational and fishing charts
· electronic aids for locating fish.